Administrative Procedure Law amendment ready for vote: lawmakers

Chinese legislators deliberated draft revisions to the Administrative Procedure Law on Tuesday, describing the draft as "mature" and ready to be put to a vote.

Members of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) held that the draft is in line with the reality of administrative litigation and makes it easier for citizens to take the government to court.

The NPC Standing Committee gave the draft its third reading during the ongoing bimonthly session. During the past two readings, lawmakers added stipulations that more rights infringement cases are to be accepted by courts and actionable cases will no longer be confined to "specific administrative acts"- in practice, an excuse for courts to throw out cases.

Previous drafts also compelled defendants -- representatives of the administrations concerned -- to personally appear before the court.

The third reading expanded the right to sue the government if authorities fail to fulfill contracts signed with citizens over land issues.

To ensure the presence of heads of administrations or officials at court, the third reading stipulated that those who refuse to appear without legitimate reasons or leave the court during the trial without approval may face additional sanction.

Lawmakers said the third draft amendment, if passed, would provide a more solid legal foundation for administrative and judicial reform.

Bai Zhijian, a committee member, said the revised law would better protect the rights and interests of citizens and other organizations and ensure administration by law.

"I agree that the draft be submitted for a vote so that it can be implemented as soon as possible," he said.